You’ve probably heard that the avian flu that has plagued many poultry populations in the US and other nations has led the New York State Fair to cancel its chicken, duck and turkey exhibits for this year.

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There may be a few fowl on exhibit in the youth building, where cuddling baby chicks is a beloved Fair tradition. But the poultry building, normally a cacophony of clucking, squawking, quacking and crowing will be quieter this years with no feathered creatures, making way for more rabbits and guinea pigs.

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State Fair Hound photographer Nick LoPresti snapped these shots last year of those colorful birds. Nick photos are larger and more prominent thanks to State Fair Hound’s ongoing upgrade. More improvements are on the way as the Hound gears up to cover the 2015 New York State Fair as no one else does. Enjoy!

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